Kenyans Face Nonrefundable MRV Fee as U.S. Visa Refusal Rate Climbs

Kenyans applying for U.S. visitor visas face a nonrefundable $185 charge in 2026, while the B1/B2 refusal rate reached 68.23% in fiscal 2025. The fee applies before an interview can be booked.

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is about KSh 24,050 at the reported exchange rate of KSh 130 to the dollar. A refusal does not return the application payment.

The $185 amount also covers several other common nonimmigrant categories. Fees rise for some petition-based and fiancé(e) applications.

An immigrant visa processing charge is a separate category of expense. The U.S. Department of State lists the fees by visa type on its visa services fee schedule.

Visa charges vary by category, with higher rates for some applications

Applicants should check the charge for the visa category they are seeking. These amounts are set in U.S. dollars; the Kenyan shilling equivalents below are approximate where provided.

The table separates nonimmigrant application charges from immigrant processing.

Certain applicants do not pay the nonimmigrant application charge, including some diplomatic applicants and some exchange visitors sponsored by the U.S. government. The exemption depends on the applicant’s circumstances and category.

The immigrant processing amount is charged per person. It is distinct from the nonimmigrant application charge used for visitor, student and other temporary visas.

Kenya’s B-visa refusal figure rose from 34.86% in 2021

Kenya’s reported B-visa figure increased from 34.86% in fiscal 2021 to 68.23% in fiscal 2025. The figures cover B visas, including B1/B2, not every U.S. visa category.

That national percentage does not determine an individual application’s outcome. It does, however, put the upfront payment into context: applicants pay before their interview, and the fee is not returned if the application is refused.

The Nairobi embassy handles more than 100,000 visa applications annually. Interview availability can vary by season, with applicants advised to allow several weeks to three months for an appointment.

The separate $250 charge has no collection date

Congress enacted a $250 Visa Integrity Fee in July 2025, intended to apply to most nonimmigrant visas when issued. The State Department’s September 2026 guidance says collection has not begun and gives no implementation date.

The two charges apply at different stages: the regular application fee is paid before an interview appointment, while the additional levy is described as applying at visa issuance. Applicants should not treat the latter as a charge currently being collected.

Pay through the appointment portal before booking

Applicants in Kenya pay the nonimmigrant application charge through the official U.S. visa appointment portal before reserving an interview. Payment options include M-Pesa and designated bank branches, including Equity Bank.

Keep the payment receipt. It is required to schedule the interview and should be retained throughout the application process.

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya directs nonimmigrant applicants to schedule interviews in their country of residence or nationality. Its visa information page provides embassy guidance.

Check the price for the visa category first, then pay through the appointment portal before selecting an interview slot. Retain the receipt after payment.